Drier and method of drying



May 20, 1941. E. ERICKSSON 2,242,995

DRIER AND METHOD OF DRYING Original Filed Sept. 22, 1932 3 She ts-She et 1 3 wu W Emi/Zric/raam 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 May 20, 1941. E. ERICKSSON DRIER AND METHOD OF DRYING Original Filed Sept. 22, 1932 May 20, 1941. E. ERICKSSON DRIER AND METHOD OF DRYING Original Filed Sept. 22, 132 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 me/whom i/m/ Eric/radon Patented May 20, 1941 DRIER. AND METHOD OF DRYING Emil Ericksson, Chicago, 111., asslgnor to Standard Process Corporation, Chicago, 111., a corporation of Delaware Original application September 22, 1932, Serial Divided and this application Septcmber 5, 1936, Serial No. 99,611

20 Claims.

The present invention relates to novel drying and treating apparatus and methods of drying and treating, and more particularly to novel drying methods and means for use in combination with a multiple impression printing press and the web printed thereby, this application being a division of my application Serial No. 634,-

406, filed September 22, 1932.

While the present invention is capable of use in any instance where a coated or printed strip or the like is used, the present inventionwill be described in connection with a preferred embodiment designed for use with a multiple impression printing press.

One of the most serious problems encountered in the use of multiple printing presses in the past has been the inability to properly dry the printed surfaces of the strips or webs between successive impressions of the press. This inability to properly dry the successive impressions has materially reduced the field of use for presses of this character since it has been impossible heretofore, to operate such presses at the desired high speeds and at the same time produce clear cut impressions on the travelling web.

It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide novel drying apparatus capable of drying coated surfaces between relatively rapid and successive applications of coating material in order that the rate of production of coated material may be increased over that heretofore possible.

A further object of the present invention resides in the provision of novel drying means and methods for use in combination with a multiple impression printing press whereby the strip or v web is rapidly dried between successive printing impressions and the printing or coating can be done at a relatively high rate of speed.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of novel drying means and methods for use in combination with a multiple impression printing press wherein the successive impressions are dried at a. rate sufficient to permit successive superimposed impressions 'on the same portion of the web surface with the press operating at relatively high speed.

A still further object of my invention lies in the provision of a novel method of drying successive applications of ink or coating material by projecting a drying fluid onto the material to be dried and immediately withdrawing the drying fluid to maintain a sufficiently high rate of circulation to permit of successive application of ink or coating material at a relatively high rate.

A further object of my invention lies in the provision of a novel method of drying ink on a printed surface quickly and effectively by heating the inked surface and cooling it to crystalize the ink at a rate to permit of rapid and successive applications of ink to the surface. 7

A still further object of my invention lies in the provision of a novel method of drying ink on a printed surface by the continuous projection of both heated and cooled fluid onto the surface and immediate and continuous withdrawal of the heated and cooled fluid and resultant fumes from the surface.

Another object of the present invention resides in providing a novel treater or dryer comprising alternately arranged blower and suction nozzles disposed in relatively close relation to each other to permit of rapid treatment.

A further object of the present invention resides in the provision of a drier having heating, cooling and exhausting chambers provided with independent nozzles so arranged that each heating or cooling nozzle has an exhaust nozzle cooperating therewith.

Another object of the present invention resides in the provision of a novel nozzle and chamber construction for a high speed printing press drier comprising alternate blower and suction nozzles.

A still further object of the present invention resides in the provision of a novel nozzle structure for use on a drier wherein currents of drying fluid are directed against the surface to be dried in a substantially tangential direction.

The foregoing and other objects of the invention will appear in the following description of the preferred embodiments and preferred methods taken in conjunction with the attached drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a side-elevational view of a preferred embodiment of my invention illustrating the relative positions of the driers and impression cylinders of the present invention, the printing press, the web roll and final drying stand being shown in section.

Figures 2 and 3 are rear and side-elevational views of a preferred embodiment of the novel drying means interposed between the impression cylinders of the press.

Figure 4 is a fragmentary section of the drier of Figures 2 and 3 to show the manner in which the partitioning members of the drier of Figure 3 are secured at the center of the drier.

Figure is a fragmentary elevation showing how thedrier of the present invention may be su ported on the frame members of the printing press.

Figure 6 is a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of the novel drying means provided on the final drying stand of Figure 1 with the cover thereofremoved.

Figure '1 is an enlargedQlongitudinal cross-' sectional view of the drier of Figure 6 and,

Figure 8 is a fragmentary section showing the manner in which the heater supports are fastened to thehousingv in the form of drier shown in Figures 6 and 7.

Referring to the drawings wherein like reference numerals are used to indicate like parts in the several figures, a printing press, indicated generally by reference character II, and a web reel stand or paper holder l2, described more fully in my copending application Serial Number 634,406, filed September 22, 1932, having a preferred combination of the novel drier of the present invention incorporated therewith, are shown by way of example.

Press II is provided with a normally idling impression cylinder I3 having a suitable impres-- may be printed by each of cylinders l6, l8, l9

and 2| if desired.

Web 23, which may be of any substance such as paper, textile material, regenerated cellulose or the like, upon the surface of which it is desired to print, is passed from material rolls 24 or 26 through guide rolls 21-21 and over roller 28 under proper tension, regulated by tensioning means 29, of any suitable construction.

Web 23 prior to its entry between the printing couples formed by impression surface I4 and printing cylinders is guided over guide rolls 32,33

and 34. Web 23, after passing between the final printing couple comprising cylinder 2| and im-- pression surface I4, is guided over roll 35 after which it may pass to web roll stand l2 if desired for final treatment by the web drying and treating means thereon and wound or otherwise conven iently taken care of by any desired means not shown which draws it under desired tension from press through the final treating means. Guide rollers 32, 33 and 35 are supported for adjustment from any suitable adjustable support 33,

A preferred embodiment of my drying and treating apparatus 31 is supported on a pair of spaced main frame members 38 and 39 at the position shown in the illustrated embodiment of" as fully described in the application of which this is a division.

the press such that as web 23progresses beneath a printing cylinder and receives a printed lmpres-.

sion therefrom, it passes the treating apparatus 31 prior to its passage between the next printing couple.

cylinders l6, l8 and I9.

Driers 31, following this plan of disposition, are located after'each of printing It is obvious that if desired a drier 31 could be mounted on frame members 38 and 39 to dry the ink on web 23 after its passage under printing cylinder 2|. However, I prefer to pass web 23 through a modified form of drying and treating apparatus indicated by reference charactor 40 and mounted on top of paper roll stand l2 through which web 23 passes from guide roll 35. It is to be understood that driers 31 and 40 may be used interchangeably if desired, and that while these embodiments thereof are illustrated in connection with .the press illustrated in the, d'rawings,-the novel d ying methods and apparatus about to be desc ibed may be used for drying any coated surface or any material from which moisture or a volatile is to be removed.

I will-now describe in detail one of the driers 31 and by way of example will select that one of the driers lying between printing cylinders l9 and 2| which is illustrated in detail on Figures 2 and 3 of the drawings.

Referring to these figures, drier 31 comprises an outer casing member 4| formed preferably from sheet metal. Sheet metalpartitions 42 and 43 within casing member 4| providethree chambers 44, 45 and 46, respectively. Chambers 45 and 46 are closed at their sidesby walls 41 and 48 spaced inwardly from side-walls '49 and 52 of outer casing member 4|. Chamber 44 includes end compartments 53 and 54. A plurality of nozzle members 55, carried by and suitably secured to bars 56, extend across the bottom of chambers 45 and 46 substantially the full width thereof. An external opening 51 is provided in each nozzle member between the inturned edges 58 for a purpose to be described.

Nozzle members 55 are spaced from each other longitudinally of casing member 4| to provide ducts 59, preferably inclined as shown, extending substantially the entire width of chambers 45 and 46 and in direct communication therewith.

Similar ducts 6|, preferably inclined as shown,

ber 44 through passage 61 defined by casing mem-' ber 4| and partition 42.

A similar strip 68 at the opposite end of casing member 4| provides an end nozzle 69 in direct communication through apertures 1| with chamber 44 through alike passage 61.

Plate 12, curved between its ends, has flat portions 13 and 14 lying loosely in contact with walls 15 and 16 of partitions 42 and 43, respectively, walls 15 and 16 being suitably bent as at 11 to permit them to extend inwardly between strips 56. The ends of fiat portion 18 of plate 12 overlie strips 56 and portion 18 is provided with an elongated slot or aperture 19. An elongated slot 8| is provided in central nozzle 82 with its center substantially in alignment with the center of slot 19.

Astifiening member 83, slotted to conform with slot 8|, is soldered or otherwise-secured to the inside wall of nozzle 82. The parts described are with, walls 15 and 16 of partitions 42 and 43 to retain them in position. Angles 11 permit walls 10 and 10 to overlie nozzle 32. Conduit connection extends within casing member M and communicates with chamber 40. A suitable fitting 01 is provided on conduit connection 00 for connection to conduit 00 (Figure 1) connected to a suitable source of cool air.

Conduit connection 00 extends within the casing member H and communicates with chamber 40. A suitable fitting 0I is provided for connection with conduit 92 (Figure l) which is connected with a source of heated air. Conduit connection 93 opens directly into space 01 of chamber 44. A suitable coupling member 04 is provided for connection with 'conduit 00 (Figure 1) which is connected to a suitable exhausting apparatus such as a suction fan. Each of the driers 31 is provided with conduit connections just described for connection with conduits which are or may be connected to common sources of cool air, heated air, and a common exhausting apparatus. if so desired. The conduit connections to driers 31 lying between printing cylinders I0 and I9 may be connected as illustrated through the wall of easing member 4I opposite nozzles 00. Drier 31, lying between printing cylinders I0 and I0, is supported from frame members 30 and 39 by brackets 90 (Figure 1). Brackets 90 are secured to main frame members 30 and 39 by suitable means, as bolts 91. inwardly extending arms 90 of brackets 96 carry vertically disposed cross-members 99. Cross-members 99 are provided at their ends with upper and lower threaded apertures I00.

Supporting bars IOI and I02 are suitably secured to casing member 4I of drier 31, as for example by a plurality of short bolts 103 secured in brackets I04 which are soldered or otherwise suitably connected to casing member 4|. Supporting bar "I is provided with notches I05 at its end, which notches enable bar IOI to be hung over thumb screws I00 which are threaded into the above mentioned upper apertures I00 in cross-members 99. Similar notches I05 are provided in the ends of bar I02 to cooperate with thumb screws I09 threaded into the lower apertures I00 in cross-member 99. Drier 31 is thus held securely in position in relation to web 23 but may be readily and conveniently removed if desired. Drier 31 lying between printing cylinders I9 and 2| is retained in position by a bracket I00 similar to bracket 90, notched supporting bars IOI and I02 being provided to engage thumb screws I09. I

- It will be noted that brackets I00 are secure to main frame members 30 and 39 below the center of impression cylinder I3 so as to lie below swinging portion III of main frame members 30 and 39 described in detail in my copending application Serial No. 634,406. Brackets II2, secured to frame members 30 and 39, provide a suitable support for drier 31 located between printing cylinders I8 and I9. Brackets H2 include inwardly extending portions II3 provided with cross pieces II4 which are or may be integral with arms II3. Cross pieces II4 have threaded apertures II5 adapted to receive thumb screws H3 which engage notches or apertures inangle member II1 suitably secured to the ends of drier 31, as illustrated on Figure 1 of the drawing.

In operation, driers 31 are connected by con-' which is to betreated is spaced slightly from the driers 31 so that air blown upon it may act most effectively. As the material is advanced past the drier it first receives a blast of hot air tangentially directed from inclined slots 0| which dries the moist ink. Between each slot 0| and at each end of the row of slots 0I, a suction nozzle 00.

extending substantially the full width of the ma-' terial being treated is preferably provided to withdraw the heated fluid. If desired, suction nozzles of suitable design may be provided at the ends only without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is obvious that in many speciflc applications of my novel drier it may be preferable to advance the drier over material under treatment which is held stationary. Slots 0| extend substantially across the full width of the surface to be treated which gives a uniform drying action without causing distortion which would otherwise result.

As the material advances past the zone of warm air issuing from chamber 40 through slots II,

it encounters tangentially directed blasts of cold The surface being treated, after being dried by passage through the zone of heated air en- 1 counters the zone of cool air which cools the material under treatment, in this instance the inked surface of web 23, and crystallizes or dries the warm ink so that further printing may be done immediately upon the surface under treatment.

Heated and cooled air blown upon, the material under treatment together with fumes which may arise in the case of a moist inked surface coated with volatile inks. are removed through nozzles 55, 00 and 09 which quickly remove the warm and cool air and the fumes overlying the surface permitting a successive and continuous application of fresh warm and cold air to quickly dry the ink.

Close and accurate register of succeeding printings is facilitated by my novel method and apparatus for drying the surface of material substantially without distortion and without nonuniform shrinkage or stretching of the material.

A further embodiment 40 of my novel drying apparatus is illustrated in Figures 1 and 6 of the drawings. This embodiment 40 of the drying apparatus is positioned on web roll stand I2 and receives web 23 as it leaves printing cylinder 2| of press II.

It is to be understood that embodiment 40 of my drier may be used interchangeably with" chamber I in casing member I3I coextensive with aperture I35. A removable cover I42 closes each other to form ducts'or channels I44 and' preferably inclined as shown. are secured to iongitudinally disposed metallic strips I45 for a purpose to be described. Wall I38 of chamber I4I isturned inwardly at I46 and has a downwardly extending portion I41. Elongated ducts or channels I48 similar to ducts I44 are provided by well I49 of end nozzle member I 43 and portion I41 of end wall I36. End wall I31 is turned inwardly at I5I and extends downwardly to provide a downwardly extending portion similar to portion I41-of wall I36. Elongated duct or channel I 52, preferably inplined as shown, is provided between a wall of the other end nozzle member I43 and the downwardly extending portion of wall I31. Bars or strips of metallic material I54 I8I near their with lips I90 on walls. I31 and I68 to form nozzles or passages I9I which communicate with spaces 2 ends and also through passages Partition I94, Figure 6, having a portion I95 in the plane of wall I33, divides conduit connection I 96 into passages I91 and I98. Passage I91 communicates directly with chamber I.

I Passage I98 is in communication with duct I 99 rest on intumed portions I46 and I5I of the end walls-I36 and I31 of chamber I, and comprise supporting members for heating units I55 which may be readily removed from chamber I4I through-aperture I35. Brackets I56, secured in any suitable manner to strips I54 at conveniently spaced intervals, support heating units I55 which are secured to said brackets by suitable means I such as screws. v I

I have chosen to illustrate eleven such heating units, but it is to be understood that the number may vary'in accordance with requirements dictated by specific conditions encountered in a particular application.

Heater units I55 may be of any well known type, but for purposes of illustration are of the type comprising an insulating strip I59 surrounded by the convolutions of coils of electric resist ance wires or ribbons, the ends of which are connected tobinding post I60 (Figure 7). Each binding post I60 comprises a threaded bolt I6I over which collar I62 is clamped by nut I63. The leads from the resistance coils are received between collar I62 and nut I63. Supply leads from a suitable source of electrical energy may be clamped between nuts I64 and I65.

Chamber I66, also within casing I3I, is en-.

closed by end walls or partitions I61 and I68 and side walls I69 and Ill. Nozzle members I43, spaced to form elongated ducts or channels I12, are secured to bars I for a purpose to be described hereinafter.

End wall I68 is turned inwardly at I13 and extends downwardly at I 14. Elongated duct or channel I15 is provided by wall I16 of nozzle I 43 and portion I14 of end wall I68.

Another duct or channel I15, preferably inclined as shown, is provided by wall I11 of nozzle I43 and portion I18 of wall I61.

- Lateral passages I19 are in communication at their ends with spaces I 8I which extend the length of casing I3I beside chambers MI and I66. Walls I82 of passages I19 support a plate I83 provided with upturned lips I84. Lips I84 cooperate with'lip I85Ion partitions I61 and I36 to form ducts or nozzles I86, which communilips I81 which define elongated nozzles or openings I88 extending substantially the full length of nozzle members I 43 and which communicate with spaces I8I at the ends of nozzle members 3 I43. End walls I34 of easing I3I are provided with upwardly turned lips I89 which cooperate between wall I33 and housing 20I. Portion I of partition I94 forms the bottom of passage I98 and insures into conduit connection I96 will enter duct I99. Conduit 203 provides communication between duct I99 and chamber I66. Air, or any desired cooling fluid. is supplied to conduit connection I96 by a suitable blower.

Conduit connection 204 is secured in wall I33 and opens directly into one of the spaces I8I which is in communication with passages I92, I19 and one end of nozzles I43 as described.

Conduit connection 204 is adapted for connection with a suction fan or other suitable exhausting apparatus by means of any convenient conduit (not shown).

Suitable flanges or supporting brackets 205 are provided on casing member I3I whereby it may be mounted on paper roll stand I2 to dry the ink on the surface of web 23 after passage through the last printing couple on press I I.

A separate heater 201 on paper roll stand I2 lies beneath drier 40. Heater 201 heats the material of web 23'by contact therewith and assists drier 40 in drying the ink on the surface and removing substantially all moisture from web 23 so that it may be rolled or otherwise conveniently disposed of for further handling as a finished printed article. Heater 201 serves also as a guiding surface to space web 23 slightly from drier 40.

Heater 201 comprises a frame inwardly directed continuous flange 209. T- shaped stifl'ening braces 2 are suitably connected at each end to flange 209 in contact with the walls of frame 208.

ends 2I3 of plate surfaces to avoid tearing of web 23.

Electric heaters 2I4 which may, if desired, be of a type similar to the heaters described with reference to the chamber I4'I, are secured to flange 209 of the heater frame at spaced intervals beneath "plate 2I'2 so that the heat generated may be imparted to cover 2I2. I have chosen to illustrate seven such heaters, but it is to be understood that any suitable number may be employed-depending upon the degree of heat to be applied and the kind and condition of the material undergoing treatment.

.A cooling member 22I is located on paper roll stand I2 next to heater 201 and beneath chamber I66 of drier 39. Cooling member 22I is provided with passages 222 which, preferably, communicate at alternate ends to provide a continuous zig-zag passage extending from end to end of the cooling member. A threaded aperture 223 is provided in member 22I to which a pipe may be connected to conduct cold fluid through the zig-zag passage formed by passages 222. A second threaded aperture 224 provides means for connecting a pipe to drain the cooling fluid from the cooling member after it has served the purpose that a portion of the air directed 208 having an slightly from duct I12 and nozzles I66, I63, and I6I.-

In operation embodiment 46 of my novel drier acts in a manner similar to that just described for drier 31. Air or other fluid is supplied under pressure through a suitable conduit (not shown) suitably connecting conduit connection I66 and a blower, for example blower 226, which may be conveniently mounted on paper roll stand I2.

Conduit connection 204 is connected with a suction fan or other exhausting apparatus.

Web 23 passes under drier 46 and is spaced therefrom a suitable distance by lying over and in contact with heater cover 2I2 and cooling member MI. The heater and cooling member are provided to assure the thorough drying of web 23 before it is finally coiled into a close compact roll or otherwise disposed of for convenient handling.

A portion of the air supplied to conduit conneotion I66 enters chamber I where it is heated by heaters in chamber I4I before it is blown through ducts I46 tangentially onto the moist surface of web 23. Thorough heating of the air and a hot blast on web 23 is assured by having said heaters positioned as illustrated over ducts or channels I46. The heated current of air from ducts I46 is distributed uniformly throughout the width of web 23 and dries the moist surface thereof uniformly.

A portion of the air entering conduit I66 is directed into chamber I66 through duct I66, and is projected directly upon the surface of web 23 tangentially thereto through duct "2 uniformly from edge to edge of web 23. This air, since it is not acted upon by heaters, is comparatively cool and acts to crystallize the ink and cool web 23. It will be seen that web 23 progresses from a zone to which a blast of heated air is uniformly supplied to a zone towhich a blast of cool air is uniformly supplied.

The heated and cooled air blown upon web 23 together, with vapor and fumes from the ink being dried is continuously withdrawn through nozzles I43, I66, I66 and I6I so that the current of warmed and cooled air may act most effectively to dry and condition the surface under treatment.

In the illustrated embodimentplate 2I2 lies sufliciently high with respect to rollers 35 that web 23 is received at curved end 2I3 closely against plate 2I2 so that the suction created at nozzles I43, I66, I66 and I6Iwill not lift the material under treatment against the drier and so diminish the effectiveness of the current or blast of air from the drier. If desired, the force of the drying current from the drier may be regulated to repel the material under treatment from the face of the drier. The combined effect of the air and suction nozzles is preferably selected so that all of the air projected on the surface to be dried will be removed through the suction nozzles, thus securing a complete removal of the vapor and fumes overlying the surface. This result may be secured in the illustrated embodiment by the provision of a greater number of or larger exhaust nozzles with respect to the nozzles for furnishing the drying current.

The material of web 23 is threaded into press I I after inserting it between guide rolls 21 and over guide roll 28 and over and under the various tensioning rolls as previously described, after which it is passed between each one of the printing cylinders and impression surface I4, by rotating the press slowly either by a main power drive or a hand wheel in the manner described in oopending application Serial No. 634,406. After the material has been passed through the, impression surface I4 and final printing cylinder 2I it is passed over guide roller 35 and passed under drier 46 on web reel stand I2 as previously described.

It is preferable in event the press is to remain idle for a time that a "dummy piece of material sufllciently long to extend from roller 21 through the press and under drier 36 be attached to the end of web 23 so that the dummy material may be carried through the'guide roll and under the printing cylinders and through drier 36 'after which it can b detached from the end of the material which has been passed through the press. Subsequent operation of the press with a .fresh piece of paper or other material may be initiated. by pasting or otherwise connecting its ends to the dummy strip, whereupon, when the machinery of the press is started, the'dummy strip will draw the end of the new material through the guide rolls and the printing couple and under drier 46 and then may be detached mm the initial end of the fresh stock and pre-' served for later use.

The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. 'The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in allrespects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein. v

What is claimed and desired to be secured by United States Letters Patent is:

1. A drier comprising a casing formed as a plurality of separate compartments severally connected to sources of heated fluid, a relatively cool fluid and vacuum, and a plurality of nozzles connected with said compartments, some of said nozzles being arranged to discharged heated fluid and immediately efi'ect its removal by suction at one portion of said casing, and other nozzles being arranged .to discharge cooled fluid and immediately effect its removal by suction at another portion of said casing.

2. A drier for drying and treating a web of coated material comprising a series of nozzles arranged to discharge a heated fluid upon said web and a second series of nozzles arranged to discharge a cooling fluid upon said .web immediately aftersaid web has passed said first series of nozzles, and exhaust means positioned between a the several nozzles for continuously and immediately removing said fluids and the gases arising from said web. I

3. A drier designed to be positioned between successive coating means on a coating machine comprising an outer casing, a plurality of relawith and said chambers constituting a heating fluid chamber, a cooling fluid chamber and an exhausting chamber respectively.

4. The combination defined in claim 3 wherein the nozzles are arranged at an angle to the plane of said side and are designed to expel treating fluid in substantial tangential relation said side.

5. A drier designed to be positioned between successive coating means on a coating machine comprising a casing havin a plurality of independent chambers, a plurality of heating elements disposed in at least one of said chambers, means to conduct cooling fluid to at least one other of said chambers, and means to apply a vacuum to another of said chambers, and a plurality of series of nozzles communicating with said chambers, each series being arranged to communicate with only e ofsaid chambers.

6. A nozzle constructio i: for use in a drier having an exhaust chambe a heating chamber and a cooling chamber; comprising a plurality of parallel tubes having substantially'centrally disposed, longitudinally extending slits forming nozzles in the under sides thereof, connector members at opposite ends of said tubes adapted to support said tubes in spaced relation, said tubes forming longitudinally extending nozzles therebetween, end plates designed to close the ends of said tubes and said last mentioned nozzles, a partition engaging said end plates and extending over said tubes, said partition and said end plates forming a closed chamber communicating with said last mentioned nozzles, and a cover adapted to extend over said partitions and extend down to the under sides of said tubes, said cover being positioned in spaced relation to said partition and said end plates to form a chamber to communicate with said first mentioned nozzles.

'7. In a printing press comprising an impression cylinderv having a web to be printed wrapped in close contact about its peripheral surface, 3 a plurality of spaced printing cylinders arranged about said impression cylinder and adapted to simultaneously contact said weband print successive registered printing impressions thereupon and treating means disposed about said impression cylinder between successive printing cylinders for treating each fresh wet printed impression before it advances to the next printing cylinder, each of said treating means comprising means for discharging warm fluid upon said fresh impression and means for discharging cool fluid upon said fresh impression in quick succession and means for withdrawing the vapors generated during said treating so that each printing impression on the web is thoroughly dried and hardened before the succeeding registered printing impression is made.

8. A drier for use in treating a coated surface comprising a casing having a plurality of spaced nozzle members arranged along one side thereof, said nozzle members being formed'with openings leading externally of said casing and the spaces between said nozzle members providing passages leading externally of said casing adjacent said nozzle member openings, a chamber within said casingin fluid communication with said passages and a second chamber in said casing distinct fromsaid first chamber in fluid communication with both-ends of said nozzle members.

9. A drier of the type defined in claim 8, said first chamber being provided with a partition dividing it into separatechamber sections, each connected to a different group of said passages.

between the nozzle members.

10. In an intaglio web printing press of the type which comprises a large impression cylinder having a plurality of printing cylinders spaced therearound and a plurality of drying units positioned between successive printing cylinders for drying the fresh moist printed ink impression on the web after it has passed each printing cylinder, each of the drying units comprising means for directing heated dry air upon the fresh impression substantially tangentially of the impression cylinder surface at a relatively high velocity, means f0r immediately and continuously exhausting said air as it rises from the drying web surface, means for thereafter directing cool air upon the partially dried impression substantially tangentiallyof the impression cylinder surface, and means for immediatelyexhausting said air as it rises from the web surface whereby said moist ink is quickly and thoroughly dried before it reaches the next printing cylinder.

11. A method of treating a freshly printed surface which comprises the steps of subjecting said surface continuously to drying fluid under pressure while -simultaneously and immediately withdrawing the fumes and vapors arising from the surface and immediately thereafter subjecting said surface continuously to the action of cooling drying fluid under pressure while simultaneously and immediately withdrawing fumes and vapors arising from said surface.

12. Apparatus for treating a freshly printedsurface comprising means for subjecting said surface continuously to the action of heated drying fluid und'er pressure, simultaneously acting means for immediately withdrawing the fumes and vapors arising from said surface, means for immediately thereafter'subjecting said surface continuously to the action of cooling drying fluid under. pressure, and means acting simultaneously with said last named means for immediately withdrawing the fumes and vapors rising from said surface.

13. The method ofdrying a moving freshly printed'sheet surface or the like which comprises passing the printed surface of the sheet in a convex path under tension, simultaneously directing a plurality of. spaced blasts of drying fluid at an acute angle upon and confined along said printed surface generally against the direction of travel of the sheet, and immediately withdrawing the fumes and vapors arising from said surface- 14. Apparatus for drying a moving freshly printed sheet surface or the like which comprises a convex supporting means over which said sheet is tensed with its printed surface facing outwardly as it is being dried; concavely curved means closely adjacent said sheet for directing a blast of. drying fluid upon said printed surface at an acute angleagainst the direction of travel of. said sheet;

means for confining said blast along said surface, against the direction of travel of said sheet, and means for immediately removing the fumes arising from said printed surface.

15. Apparatus for drying a moving freshly printed sheet surface or the like comprising convex supporting means over which said sheet is tightly drawn with its printed surface facing outwardly as it is being dried; a plurality of spaced, arcuately arranged nozzles disposed along the printed surface parallel to said convex supporting means for directing blasts of drying fluid upon said printed surface, said-nozzles being positioned close to the printed surface and being adapted to direct said drying fluid at an acute angleto said printed surface and against the direction of travel of the sheet; means for confining said blasts along said surface against the direction of travel of said sheet; and means closely adjacent the printthe action of heated ed surface for removing the fumes and vapors arising from said surface.

16. Apparatus for drying a moving freshly printed sheet surface or the like comprising convex supporting means over which said sheet is drawn under tension with said printed surface facing outwardly while being dried; drying fluid supply nozzle means disposed closely adjacent said printed surface for directing drying fluid under pressure upon said printed surface at an acute angle against the direction of travel of said sheet; means for conflning said fluid along said surface, against the direction of travel of said sheet, and suction nozzle means at opposite sides of said supply nozzle means.

17. Apparatus for drying a moving freshly printed sheet surface or the like comprising convex supporting means over which said sheet is tensed with its printed side facing outwardly while being dried; and a plurality of concavely arranged alternately disposed suction and drying fluid supply nozzles closely adjacent and substantially parallel to said printed surface, said supply nozzles directing successive blasts of drying fluid upon said printed surface at an acute angle against the direction of travel of said sheet; each of said supply nozzles being preceded by a suction nozzle toward which its discharged drying fluid passes after contacting the printed surface, and each of said suction nozzles following immediately after a supply nozzle.

18. Apparatus for drying a moving freshly printed sheet or the like which comprises convex supporting means over which said sheet is drawn under tension with said printed surface facing outwardly as it is being dried; a supply nozzle disposed close to said surface for directing drying fluid upon said surface at an acute angle against the direction of travel of the web; an exhaust nozzle disposed close to said surface and positioned to be traversed by said surface prior to the supply nozzle; and means for directing and confining the flow of fluid discharged by said supply nozzle closely along said surface until it reaches said exhaust nozzle.

19. Mechanism for drying a freshly printed paper web, comprising pressure means for creating a current of air and for directing said air current along the freshly printed surface of the web, and exhaust means separate from said pressure means for exhausting the air current after it has contacted with said surface, said exhaust means having greater capacity than said pressure means.

20. A method of drying a freshly printed paper web which consists in forcing a current of air along the freshly printed side of the web while substantially confining said air current to said printed side, and then exhausting the air current away from said web, the rate of exhaust exceeding the rate of supply of air by said current.

EMIL ERICKSSON. 

